Emma Thompson gives flat shoes the ultimate endorsement!

Wasn't it refreshing to watch Emma Thompson remove her vertiginous Christian Louboutin heels at this year's Golden Globes, approaching the stage in bare feet? The very British actress appeared with her designer shoes in one hand and a Martini in the other, quipping that the trademark red-soled Louboutin heels were stained with her blood. 'I've taken my heels off as a feminist statement really, because why do we wear them? They're so painful. And pointless, really.'

As brogues, loafers, ballerinas and slippers remain in fashion favour this spring, the final endorsement came from a global star denouncing heels, literally on a 'global' stage! And the return for more comfortable - but stylish - footwear has already been adopted by savvy shoppers.

A recent Mintel survey revealed three fifths of women polled admitted to buying a pair of flats in the last year. And as trends veer away from stylish dresses in favour of more masculine, tailored separates, the flat has never held the spotlight more! So what are you waiting for? Shop our favourite flats from across the high street and discover how you can work them in to your every day look...